The Brookes a four piece alternative band from Cleethorpes a seaside town outside of Grimsby. The band consists of singer Ben Keal, guitarist Alex Smart, bassist Elliot Gant and drummer Bryn Cattell. The lads have worked hard to build up a loyal fan base in Grimsby and beyond. They are a modern day Rock n Roll band full of energy and are one of Grimsby’s most promising bands. If you get the chance to see these guys live then go! they are defiantly worth going to see live you will not be disappointed.

The guys were kind enough to answer a few questions for us, here is what they had to say.

Tell us a random fact about each band member.

Bryn likes fishing, has played with the Rolling Stones and at the 2012 Olympics.

Elliott likes to pick his nose and his brother lives in Suffolk. He has also had the same shoes for two years, which are held on by their final stitches.

Alex likes to ride scooters on a Sunday afternoon, then returns to his country pub for a shandy and a ploughman’s lunch.

The Brookes originated from a historic ship, which in 1788 functioned as a slave ship but we found this out at a later date.

How did you all first meet?

We all met through different stages in our lives, and all came together to create our band.

Describe The Brookes in three words.

Melodic, energetic and dynamic.

Which song was the most difficult to write?

Blank canvas was the most difficult to write, as all parts are so vastly different to eachother. Each instrument creates a unique melody which comes together as a tight, dynamic song.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would it be and why?

Bryn would like to pay at The Ritz, Manchester. Elliott and Benjamin would like to play at The Albert Hall, Manchester. Alex would like to play at The O2, London, as it is big as nanas.

If you could go on tour with any band/artist who would it be and why?

We would all like to play with an array of artists as we’re all so very different. It’s hard to say.

Describe each band member in one word.

Bryn: Funny

Elliott: Shoes

Alex: bipolar

Benjamin: Sieve

What has been the best gig you have played?

The gig we played with our friends The Escapades (who you should definitely check out as they’re our lovers) in Silsden, which was crazy, let’s leave it at that.

What are your plans for next year?

Gig the shit out of 2017 and the country’s rusty sheriff’s badge.

What is a typical day/week like for The Brookes?

We practice three times a week and gig most weekends. Come a weekend, we gig.

Do you have a pre-show ritual?

We set up our gear, make sure everyone has all their necessities and are warmed up. We then chill out back stage in and around watching other bands perform, because we’re good like that.

If you could give one piece of advise to a small band that were trying to make it what would it be?

Gig, gig and gig a little bit more. Practice hard and make sure your songs are better than anyone in your line of competition, believe in yourself.

What makes The Brookes stand out from other bands?

Our logo is the bollocks. Also, we have a lot upcoming behind closed doors and big opportunities. We are all extremely hard working and dedicated to making this work, we’re all also slightly tapped and crazy.

Do you have any funny/interesting gig stories you can share with us?

There’s too many to write down, I’m sure you do not want to be reading this all year. You’ll have to get yourselves down to experience the shenanigans.

What has been the most random thing a fan has done to you or at a gig?

Bryn had an inflatable horse land on him once, that was somewhat strange, followed by a 90cm inflatable penis. Also, Steven Webster a local fan, poured his pint on the the floor and then followed to swim breaststroke.

Final question if you could write a song or collaborate with any band/artist who would you pick and why?

The Escapades, as they’re basically our brothers and we cherish eachother endlessly.